For a number of years now, it's been very apparent that Barcelona desperately need to sign a solid centre back. A few seasons down the line and with several transfer windows been and gone. It's got to the stage now, where Barcelona fans are beginning to wonder if the moment will ever arrive.
A number of high-profile defenders have been consistently linked with a move to the Camp Nou. But no-one has ever arrived. The same has occurred this summer, many big names, and apparent talks have been on-going, but no real progress made by the Spanish giants.
Thiago Silva has been heavily linked with Barça over the years, but the captain of PSG looks settled in Paris, and it would take a monstrous bid to lure him away. Likewise, David Luiz was linked with Barça. But again, PSG swooped and another target went up in smoke for the Catalans.
However, let's take a look at some of the more likely players linked with a move to Spain and also an opinion on what they could offer at Barça.
Medhi Benatia (Roma, 27): One of the first names to be linked with Barça this summer. The Roma centre back enjoyed a highly successful season in Serie A, with Roma. Establishing a reputation for being a very solid, strong centre back and one of the driving forces behind Roma's inpenetrable defence last season. However, despite rumours that Barcelona were closing in on the Moroccan international, Roma's president stated that "Benatia is worth €61m (£48m)". It seems highly unlikely that Barça will pay this kind of fee for Benatia, despite very encouraging signs during the past season.
Aymeric Laporte (Athletic Bilbao, 20): Arguably the one of the brightest young defenders in La Liga, Aymeric Laporte has been on Barcelona's radar for some time. A very promising campaign last season led to rumours that Barça were willing to pay Laporte's release clause. The clause reported to be around €36m at this time - wasn't met. Since then, Bilbao have increased his clause to around €42m and as with Benatia, it seems highly unlikely that Barcelona will fork out this kind of money.
Jeremy Mathieu (Valencia, 30): Reports in Spain have lead us to believe that Barcelona aren't too far away from agreeing a deal for Mathieu. It's reported that he has a €20m release clause in his contract, but Barça are only willing to pay €10-15m. Which is understandable for a player who isn't a high-profile defender, and is also 30 years old. Despite this, Mathieu is a "solid" centre back. He's not extremely athletic, or incredible in aerial battles. But he is a natural centre back, which is more than could be said for Song and Mascherano is recent years.
Marquinhos (PSG, 20): The Brazillian is one of the players who has been heavily linked with a move to Barça this summer with a number of Spanish sources having reported that bids have actually been made by the Catalans. So far though, PSG are reluctant to sell the man they signed for almost €32m just one year ago. Despite this though, Barcelona are still confident they can secure their target. If reports are to be believed that Marquinhos does want to ditch France for Spain it may make it easier for Barça, as long as they meet PSG's evaluation for Marquinhos.
Whoever Barcelona elect to secure their leaky defence, one thing is certain. It has to be someone. They simply have to make a centre back signing this summer, in order for the board to avoid the wrath of the fans but more importantly to avoid another disappointing season.